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Drinking water, low fat milk, and herbal teas may help reduce symptoms. Acid reflux, or heartburn, occurs when stomach acid flows up into a person’s esophagus, or food pipe. It is common for people to experience acid reflux intermittently. However, if a person consistently experiences acid reflux, they may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In this article, we cover the drinks that people can prioritize and avoid to reduce acid reflux symptoms. What to drink Share on PinterestGranger Wootz/Getty ImagesAvoiding the drinks and foods that cause the symptoms is the best way to evade the effects of acid reflux. However, some drinks may help reduce acid reflux symptoms. Ginger tea Ginger can help reduce symptoms of many gastrointestinal complaints, including:acid refluxbloating dyspepsia Studies show that ginger eases pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and improves gastric emptying. Without a reduction of this pressure, the risk of the sphincter failing increases, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the food pipe. In addition, ensuring a person’s stomach empties effectively can reduce the amount of stomach acid present in the upper digestive tract. Drinking ginger tea can help a person get more ginger into their diet and provide a warm, soothing sensation. Ginger ale is less likely to help because of carbonation and because it sometimes contains caffeine. Most commercial ginger ale sodas also do not contain enough ginger to have a positive effect. Learn more about the health benefits of ginger here. Fruit and vegetable juices Highly acidic fruit juices can irritate the mucus membrane of the food pipe. This can worsen acid reflux symptoms. However, low acid fruit and vegetables often contain natural compounds that may reduce acid reflux. Eating and drinking these fruits and vegetables may be beneficial to some people. Good choices for juicing include:aloe veracelerycarrotcantaloupehoneydew melon Learn more about diets for GERD here. Low fat milk Foods and drinks with high fat content, such as whole milk, can worsen symptoms of GERD. So, low fat and plant-based milks can be good options. Some plant-based milks, such as almond milk, are also alkaline. This can help to neutralize stomach acid. Learn more about the benefits of almond milk here. Water Water can help with digestion and is integral to the proper working of the body. Staying adequately hydrated can ensure the proper passing of food through the gastrointestinal system, reducing the frequency of post-meal acid reflux. A small 2016 study reported that water with a hydrogen carbonate supplement can also help reduce symptoms of heartburn and GERD. Drinks to avoid Certain beverages pose a particularly high risk of triggering acid reflux. Managing the symptoms of acid reflux mainly involves learning and avoiding the triggers. Alcohol A 2018 research review found an association between the increase in alcohol consumption and frequency of drinking and GERD. Alcohol damages mucus in the lining of the gastric system and impairs esophagus contractions. Both of these factors can increase acid reflux. Learn more about alcohol and heartburn here. Citrus juices Juices made from citrus fruits, like oranges or grapefruits, are highly acidic, which can worsen acid reflux. Compounds in citrus fruits may also reduce the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter and delay gastric emptying. Carbonated beverages Several studies found an association between drinking carbonated beverages and an increased risk of GERD, according to a 2021 review. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) also recommends that people avoid carbonated drinks to reduce acid reflux and GERD. However, research is not conclusive on the role that carbonated drinks play in acid reflux. For example, a 2017 study found no association between their consumption and GERD symptoms. Caffeinated beverages The NIDDK recommends people with acid reflux eliminate coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages from their diets. However, a 2019 study found no association between tea and coffee drinking and reflux symptoms. Find out more about caffeine and GERD here. What is acid reflux Acid reflux occurs when the valve that connects the stomach to the food pipe, weakens. When this happens, stomach acid flows back into the food pipe. Because stomach acid is an irritant, it can cause inflammation in the food pipe, which can cause discomfort. Symptoms Symptoms of acid reflux include:sour taste in the mouthdifficulty swallowingchest painsore throathoarse voicedry coughfeeling as if there is a lump in the throatregurgitating food or acid Acid reflux is usually a mild but uncomfortable symptom of GERD. Other people have more serious symptoms of GERD that interfere with daily function. Learn more about the differences between acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD here. Causes Some medical conditions increase the risk of severe GERD symptoms, including:obesitypregnancynicotine usedry mouthdiabeteshiatal hernia, where the stomach bulges through an opening of the diaphragm If a person experiences regular and severe episodes of acid reflux or heartburn, it is important for them to contact a doctor, as it might develop into a more serious condition. More tips Other self-care measures that can help manage acid reflux and other symptoms of GERD include:managing body weightquitting smokingelevating the head of the bed while sleepingavoiding tightly fitted clothes Medications Several medications are available over the counter for heartburn and other symptoms of GERD. These include:antacids that neutralize stomach acid, such as Gaviscon or TumsH2 receptor blockers can decrease acid production in the stomach for up to 12 hoursproton pump inhibitors that block acid production for long enough to enable the food pipe to heal When to call a doctor Acid reflux, though uncomfortable, can be highly treatable. People may manage acid reflux at home with some lifestyle changes and the avoidance of triggers. Severe symptoms of GERD may require medication or, in rare cases, surgery. If an individual has severe or frequent symptoms of acid reflux, their doctor can help rule out other conditions. It is especially important to get medical attention if someone thinks they might be experiencing acid reflux or any other symptoms of GERD. These symptoms may indicate a more serious health problem, such as a heart attack. Summary Acid reflux can be uncomfortable, but will typically resolve independently. However, diet changes may help reduce symptoms of acid reflux in some cases. Drinks such as ginger tea, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milks may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn. Avoiding citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can also help to reduce symptom frequency and severity. Last medically reviewed on May 24, 2022Acid Reflux / GERDGastroIntestinal / GastroenterologyNutrition / Diet 14 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults. (n.d.).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adultsAttari, V. E., et al. (2019). The gastro-protective effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in Helicobacter pylori positive functional dyspepsia.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6664109/Beer, A.-M., et al. (2016). Efficacy and tolerability of hydrogen carbonate-rich water for heartburn.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4753184/Bhargava, R., et al. (2019). The effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in patients with advanced cancer [Abstract].https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-019-05129-wBodagh, N. M., et al. (2018). Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6341159/Eslami, O., et al. (2017). Dietary habits and obesity indices in patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease: A comparative cross-sectional study.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5704630/Heartburn and acid reflux. (2020).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/Heidarzadeh-Esfahani, N., et al. (2021). Dietary intake in relation to the risk of reflux disease: A systematic review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8747955/Keshteli, A. H., et al. (2017). The relationship between fruit and vegetable intake with gastroesophageal reflux disease in Iranian adults.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5721491/Newberry, C., et al. (2019). The role of diet in the development and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease: Why we feel the burn.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6702398/Pan, J., et al. (2019). Alcohol consumption and the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://academic.oup.com/alcalc/article/54/1/62/5090261Panahi, Y., et al. (2015). Efficacy and safety of Aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: A pilot randomized positive-controlled trial [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26742306/U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research. (2022). FoodData Central.https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.htmlWei, T. Y., et al. (2019). The role of tea and coffee in the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6559035/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Kelsey Trull, PA-C — By Nicole Galan, RN — Updated on May 24, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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